Disclaimer: Still DO NOT own Inuyasha...maybe one day...
Chapter Three
Sango's Sick and Inuyasha's Hurt
It had been a couple of weeks since the horrid test and the news of a stranger joining a group. Kagome had gotten her test back and was relieved to see she had just passed, unlike most of the class. Sango passed too, but barely. It was now the last week of school which meant final exams.
Kagome stood at her locker grabbing books upon books while looking at the papers in her notebook. Her teachers had handed out the final exam reviews and now she needed almost all of her books to study the material. Only three books fit in her backpack so she would have to carry four. And on top of things, Sango was at home with a head cold. Kagome had no one to help her.
She slowly exited the school and began walking down the sidewalk when she heard a familiar voice. "Kagome, wait up." Kagome looked behind her to see Hojo. To be honest, she really didn't feel like talking to him.
"Can I hold your books?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh, no thanks, Hojo, I got it. I need the workout."
"Well, can I walk you home?"
Kagome thought fast. What could she say? "Um, actually I'm going to my, uh, my aunt's house. She's very protective, no boys around her niece." Kagome smiled weakly at the disappointed Hojo.
"Alright, well, if you need help studying for any of your exams, just let me know."
"Thanks, bye Hojo."
She felt bad about lying to him. He was so nice and liked her so much, but she just didn't feel the same. Plus, she knew if she let him walk her home, he'd get ideas and maybe ask her on a date again. She really didn't want to turn him down again and see his sad face.
Kagome decided she would take her short cut through the park since Sango wasn't with her today, although she was a little hesitant. Kagome hadn't walked through the park since that one night. But it was daylight and there were children and mothers and fathers in the park, so she felt safer. She was about halfway through the park, dragging her books along, when, once again, she heard footsteps behind her. Her heart started to beat faster, but then she remembered there were several people around. It was probably someone trying to get to the swing sets. But the footsteps didn't stop or leave. They seemed to get closer. Kagome was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable.
"Hey," a some-what familiar voice said. Kagome looked over her shoulder but saw no one. She turned around completely to see there was absolutely no one behind her. She was entirely baffled.
"Hey girl," the voice said again. Kagome turned around to see a pair of amber eyes looking at her face. He scared her to death.
"Hey calm down, I'm not going to hurt you," he said when he saw her jump.
"Why did you sneak up on me like that?!" she yelled when she overcame her fear.
"I didn't sneak up."
"Ya, right. Anyway, what do you want?"
"Well, someone's in a bad mood today," he said as they began walking again.
"I'm not in a bad mood! It's just your not exactly on my 'People to Be Nice To' list."
"Hmm, you have a list?"
"Oh shut up!"
Inuyasha walked with his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Is that any way to talk to the guy who saved you?"
Kagome sighed in frustration. "I am thankful that you saved me from those men but you had absolutely no right to call me a wench or a bitch!"
"Feh."
As mad as she was, Kagome couldn't help but steal glances at the boy. He was really cute, she couldn't deny that. But he was still a jerk. Kagome had trouble keeping up with all her books. Her backpack was killing her plus her arms ached under the weight of the four books. As they walked in silence, Kagome stumbled over a rough patch in the path, causing her books to fly everywhere and Kagome to fall to her knees, skinning them.
"Damn it!" she yelled in pain. Inuyasha, who was still walking, stopped and turned around to see the girl on the pavement, one hand babying her knees, the other reaching for the books. He chuckled a little to himself and walked back to the girl.
"Here," he offered his hand to her and she stared at it, hesitant, but finally took it. He lifted her to her feet then bent down and started picking up her books. Kagome was floored. He was actually doing something nice? He stacked the books up in a pile and stood up, dusting off his pants. Kagome put out her hands to take the books back but Inuyasha began to walk away.
"Um, I'll take those back," she said, still confused by his actions.
"That's alright, I'll carry them."
Inuyasha was offering to carry her books?
"Um, thanks, I guess."
Inuyasha stopped and turned back to Kagome. He looked at her legs and wrinkled his nose. "You alright?"
Now he was concerned about her?
"It hurts a little, but it's nothing."
"You're bleeding."
Kagome looked down at her knees. She had really taken a fall. Her knees were bleeding pretty badly. She began to walk to Inuyasha, but her knees hurt so much.
"Ouch," she said as she stopped and bent over, rubbing her legs.
"Hurts, huh?"
"Of course it does!" she snapped.
Inuyasha walked back to the girl, put an arm around her waist, which surprised Kagome, and walked her through the park. Not only was he carrying her books, but now he was letting her use him as a crutch? Kagome was shocked. Yet, she couldn't deny how safe she felt with him around.
"Inuyasha?"
"Yea."
"Why are you helping me?"
"I couldn't just leave you there. Well, I thought about it, but I knew you would hunt me down and yell at me."
"Yea, I probably would."
"Anyway, why do you have all these books?"
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, her eyes big with shock. "The final exams are coming up!"
"Yea, I know. So why have all these books?"
"Are you serious? I need them to study for the tests."
"You actually study for those things?"
"Yea, don't you?"
"I never study. I always wing it."
"Then how do you make A's?"
Inuyasha stopped walking and turned to face Kagome. "I don't make A's."
"Oh, then what do you make?"
"C's if I'm lucky."
"Wow, I don't think I've ever made a C."
"Really? You really are a book nerd." Inuyasha grabbed her waist and began walking again, Kagome reluctantly following.
"What do you mean 'book nerd'?" she asked furiously.
"I mean, you study and put so much stress on yourself so you can get A's. You're a book nerd."
"I am not a book nerd! Man, you can really be a jerk sometimes! I just don't understand you."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you save my life, then you call me a bitch. You help me when I fall and carry my books, then insult me by calling me a book nerd. If you just want to insult me then I don't need your help!"
Inuyasha stopped dead in his tracks again, looking at Kagome with an emotion she had never seen in him before. "You really think all I want to do is insult you?" Kagome was taken aback by his reaction. His grip on her waist loosened and he looked at her as if he was hurt.
"Well, yes, that is all you do. I mean I tried to thank you for saving me, but you called me a wench. Every time we've met, you've been somewhat of a jerk."
Inuyasha sighed and turned his gaze away from Kagome. He began walking away from her. Kagome slowly walked toward him, but her legs hurt too much.
"Inuyasha!"
He suddenly turned around to her and looked her in the eyes. "I don't mean to be a jerk; it's just how I was raised." He lowered his eyes to the ground and whispered, "I'm not good with words."
Kagome all of a sudden felt bad for calling him a jerk. "Inuyasha, I'm sorry. I guess I kind of overreacted. Let's drop it, ok?"
"Alright. Here." He put his arm around her waist again and walked her through the park.
"Um, thanks Inuyasha. I think I can make it from here."
"I don't think you can." Kagome glared at him. "I mean…your legs are still pretty bad. I'll just walk you to your house then you're on your own."
"Ok." Kagome actually felt happy that Inuyasha was walking her home. She wasn't ready for him to leave her side. After walking for a few more minutes, they were at the gate to the shrine.
"So this is where you live."
"Yea, it's small, but it's home."
"Way better than my place."
He walked her to the front door then Kagome unlocked it and went inside. She threw her backpack on the table then walked back to Inuyasha who handed her the books.
"Well, um, thanks again for helping me."
"No problem." He smiled slyly then left with Kagome watching him. Once he was out of sight, Kagome sighed and closed the door. Then the phone rang. Kagome winced as she slowly walked to the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Kagome, did you get the work I missed, achoo."
"Hi Sango, I got everything. How are you feeling?"
"A little better. Good thing it's Friday. So tell me about your day."
"It was boring. Every teacher handed out reviews and I had to bring home seven books."
"Seven? Dear lord."
"Yea, anyway, I had three in my bag and I was carrying four. Hojo asked if he could walk me home."
"Oh, how sweet!"
"But I said no."
"KAGOME! Are you stupid?"
"I told you he's not my type. Anyway, I took the short cut through the park and…"
"Don't tell me you saw those guys."
"No I didn't, but I did see someone else."
"Who?"
"Inuyasha."
Kagome heard a loud gasp. "What?"
"Yea, he stopped me while I was walking through the park. We were walking and I fell. My books went everywhere and my knees were all scraped up and bleeding."
"Ouch, sounds painful."
"Yea it was. But Inuyasha, the jerk I told you about, helped me up then carried my books, and when he saw it took me a while to walk he put his arm around my waist and let me use him as a crutch!"
"You're joking, aren't you?"
"No, he really helped me. But then he opened his mouth and insulted me again, and I retaliated. But the weird thing is that I think he actually felt bad when I told him he was a jerk. He told me he's not good with words. So then we walked to my house and he left and now I'm here talking to you on the phone."
"Wow, sounds like today was actually exciting. It also sounds like someone has a crush."
Kagome's heart froze. "What? Who?"
"You, stupid!"
"Who do I have a crush on?"
"Man, do I have to explain everything? INUYASHA!"
Kagome's mouth dropped. "Wh…what?"
"You heard me. You have a CRUSH on IN U YA SHA!"
"Sango, I can't believe you'd say that!"
"Well, it's true isn't it?"
"No, it's not. I'd go on a date with Hojo before him. Besides, he's not my type."
"'Not my type. Not my type.' That's all I hear from you. Kagome, what is your type?"
"I don't know. Look, if you want your reviews, I suggest you apologize and if I accept, you can come over and study with me."
"Ok, ok, I'm sorry. I'll be over tomorrow. This cold or whatever should be over by then."
"Alright, I'll see you then."
Kagome decided to retire early. It was a Friday and she felt kind of stupid going to bed at 8 o'clock when she should have been out having fun. But she needed a lot of sleep if she and Sango were going to pass those final exams.
The next day, Kagome's alarm went off at 7:30. Still tired, she rolled over and hit the snooze button then fell back asleep. Moments later her mom come in and gently rubbed her to get her up. Her mom always woke her up gently, and she liked it.
"Sweetie, come down and have some breakfast. Sango's father called and said she would be coming over soon."
Kagome groaned.
"Come on," her mother pulled the covers away from her face. "Get changed then come down stairs. I don't think you'll have time for a shower."
Kagome slowly got out of bed as her mother closed the door. She went to her closet drowsily and looked for an outfit to where. It was unusually cold for a summer day, so she grabbed a long sleeve shirt and some blue jeans then walked to the bathroom. Once she was changed, she slowly made her way down the stairs and to the kitchen table where her grandfather and brother, Sota, were already eating. Kagome sat at the table as her mom placed a bowl in front of her.
"Eat up dear," she said cheerfully. "You'll need plenty of strength to study for all those exams."
"Thanks mom." Kagome played with her food a little. She wasn't really hungry. She had other things on her mind like how was she possibly going to pass all those tests, what should she pack for their trip, how was she going to keep Miroku away from Sango, and why was she constantly thinking about Inuyasha? The last thought snapped her back to reality. She ate some of her food quietly while her family talked about little events on the news. Then the door rang. Kagome shot up from her seat and ran to the door where she saw Sango.
"Hi Sango, how are you feeling?"
"I just have a little headache, but at least I'm not sneezing anymore."
"Here, Sango, have some cocoa." Kagome's mother handed Sango a warm cup. Sango took a sip merrily.
"Ahh, that feels so good on my throat."
"Come on; let's go study in my room."
"Alright, thank you for the cocoa, Ms. Higurashi." They ran up to Kagome's room and settled themselves for the long haul. Sango sat on the floor and dropped her backpack beside her. Kagome grabbed the books off her desk and sat in front of her friend.
"Which subject should we start with?" Kagome asked as she flipped through her notebook.
"Something easy," Sango said as she sipped her warm cocoa.
"How about history?"
Sango choked on her cocoa. "I said easy!"
"I think history is easy."
"I don't. There's too many dates and names. Please, something I can understand."
"Fine." The two spent the whole day quizzing each other on the material for a couple of subjects. Around six o'clock, Kagome's mother lightly knocked on the door then entered her room, smiling pleasantly.
"Sango, dear, your father just called. He wants you home."
"Thank you, Ms. Higurashi," Sango said as she pushed her books into her backpack. Kagome walked with her friend down the stairs and to the front door where Sango bent down to put on her shoes.
"Kagome dear, I want you to walk Sango home. It's getting dark out."
"Ok, mom." Kagome then sat on the floor and put on her shoes too. Sango opened the door as she waved goodbye to Kagome's mother and exited the house. Kagome then unlocked the gate, opened it for Sango, and then closed it gently behind her.
"You shouldn't walk back home by yourself, Kagome," Sango said suddenly. Kagome looked up at her friend, shocked.
"What?"
"I mean, you were attacked walking by yourself."
Kagome bowed her head. "I know, but I never told my mom. I knew she would worry too much. Besides, I think I'll be fine. I'll be on my guard."
Together the girls walked through the abandoned park without any trouble. "Is this what it was like that night?" Sango asked, sounding a bit frightened.
"Yea it was."
"Wow, it must have been really scary."
"It was."
They made it to Sango's house safely. Sango stood in the doorway, thanking Kagome for her help, but before she closed the door and before Kagome was out of earshot she yelled, "Don't take the park, Kagome! Just take the long way, it'll be safer."
Kagome turned and smiled at her protective friend. "Don't worry, Sango, I'll take the long way."
"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye, Sango!"
She heard the door shut as she opened the gate. It seemed that in no time, Kagome was at the park entrance again. She could either go through the park or take the road to the left, taking the safer route. But an odd feeling jerked her toward the park. 'I wonder if Inuyasha is in there again. That seems to be where he hangs out.' She shook her head and berated herself for thinking about Inuyasha. But she couldn't help thinking about him.
She decided to go through the park. Surely nothing would happen to her twice. Besides, she would be ready for them. The park seemed darker and quieter now that Sango wasn't with her. As she walked deeper into the darkness she wished she had listened to her friend and taken the long route home. Although she was frightened, her heart couldn't help but flutter and skip a beat when she looked at the large oak tree where Inuyasha usually hung out under. But he wasn't there.
Suddenly she heard cursing and a few grunts of pain coming from farther down the path. She followed the cries cautiously and hid behind a tree when she saw a man and a boy fighting. The boy was on his knees, breathing heavily while the man raised his fist to finish off his opponent. But the boy on the ground quickly stood to his feet and punched the man before him. The guy stepped back and rubbed his nose, which was bleeding profusely. Then she saw something in his hand flicker in the street lamp's dim light. A knife. The boy jumped away just in time to get his shoulder stabbed instead of his heart where it was intended. He grabbed the man's wrist and twisted his arm harshly as the man screamed out in pain. She heard a cracking sound as the boy let go of his opponent who immediately ran away, disappearing into the night.
The boy heaved heavily as he clutched his arm. Kagome slowly moved closer, hiding behind tree after tree. Then she recognized the boy. Inuyasha. As the realization hit her she ran to him.
"Inuyasha!" she cried.
He turned to her sharply, slightly loosing his balance. "Kagome?" he breathed.
She ran to him, her eyes full of concern, and stood in front of him. "Inuyasha, what happened?" she asked as she looked at his shoulder, bleeding freely.
"Nothing," he said gruffly.
She looked up into his eyes, but he looked away. "Nothing? Inuyasha, you're bleeding! I saw that man stab you!"
"Feh. And what are you doing out here?" he asked harshly.
"I had to walk my friend to her house, and now I'm going back home. Inuyasha, what happened?"
"Nothing," he said again as he walked past her. Kagome ran to follow him
"You were fighting with that man, I saw you. Why?"
"He started it."
"How? Who is he?"
"He was sent to kill me," Inuyasha said curtly.
Kagome stopped and her mouth dropped as she watched him slowly walk away. "What?" He stopped walking and turned back to her.
"He was sent to kill me by someone I have a bad history with." He smiled at her gawking face. "It's nothing. They'll never get me." Kagome began walking by his side again.
"Well, anyway, you need to go to the hospital and get that checked out."
"I don't need a hospital. I'm fine."
"Inuyasha…"
He turned on her abruptly, grabbing her wrist with one hand. "I'm fine! I don't need anyone's help!" Kagome trembled under his grip. He really didn't want anyone to help him. After he let go of her and began walking, she regained her composure.
"If you don't need help, then why are you walking with me?"
He looked at her as if she was stupid. "I told you not to walk through the park at night. Those guys that tried to attack you are still out there. With me by your side, they won't try anything, and if they do, I'll kick their asses."
Kagome blushed slightly. She was thankful it was dark out. She didn't want Inuyasha to see her face. He walked her to the front door of her house. Before he turned to leave, Kagome said, "Wait, you need that shoulder taken care of."
Inuyasha stopped and looked at Kagome. She was actually concerned about him. No one had ever cared before. She motioned for him to come inside and he reluctantly followed.
Inside, Kagome found a note stuck on the refrigerator.
'Kagome-chan,
Your grandfather and I have taken Sota with us to the grocery store. Sota will be going to a friend's birthday party tomorrow and was asked to bring a snack for his friends. Then we have to go to the mall to find a gift. We will be back in about an hour or so. Dinner is in the microwave.
With Love,
Mom'
Kagome threw the note into the trash then pulled out a chair at the kitchen table for Inuyasha. "Sit," she said calmly. He obeyed unwillingly. Kagome disappeared into the hallway then came back with a white box. She sat the first aid kit on the table then pulled a chair closer to Inuyasha.
"I need you to remove your hand," she said as she looked up at him with innocent eyes.
"Fine." He slowly moved his hand away, revealing the large wound that had bled liberally. Kagome winced when she saw it.
"That must hurt," she said as she slowly rolled up his sleeve.
"Not really." Kagome couldn't get to the wound by rolling up his sleeve. She felt sort of embarrassed.
"Um, Inuyasha, I can't reach it."
He seemed to understand completely. He sat up in his seat and slowly lifted his t-shirt, cautiously pulling his left arm through the whole and exposing his bare arm to Kagome. She gasped as his chest and stomach were revealed to her. 'WOW!' she thought as she stared at his body. 'Wearing those baggy shirts, one would have never known how muscular he was. He has a six-pack!' Her face turned scarlet red as she dug in the white box. Inuyasha didn't seem to care that she saw his chest. He had seen her turn red and smiled secretly.
"This may sting a bit," she said as she gently rubbed his wound with a cold medication. Inuyasha flinched, but didn't say a word, not wanting Kagome to know the wound hurt him.
She reached back into the first aid kit as Inuyasha watched her. She was so beautiful. Her porcelain skin, her long, black, wavy hair, her soft pink lips, and her mystifying blue eyes, all tormented him. He wanted so badly to hold her in his arms, but he couldn't. She was just being nice.
Kagome took some wrapping from the box and made a tourniquet around his shoulder. She then got up and fetched a wet washcloth. She lightly rubbed the skin around his wound which was covered with dry blood.
"How's that feel?" she asked after she cleaned his skin.
"Tight."
"Good, that will stop the bleeding."
Inuyasha stood up from his seat as Kagome put the first aid stuff back into the box. He slowly put his shirt back on as he asked, "How do you know so much about first aid?"
"My mom is a nurse," she replied matter-of-factly. Inuyasha was already at the front door, ready to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kagome asked.
"Home."
"You're not going to…stay?"
Inuyasha stopped and turned around. He was confused by what she said. Kagome gulped under his gaze. "I mean, don't you want something to drink, or maybe eat?"
"I'm good."
Kagome looked to the ground feeling uncomfortable. "Right."
"You should have left me at the park, wench," he said suddenly. Any feelings of pity or concern in Kagome left when she heard that.
"Jerk! I was just trying to help you!"
"I told you, I don't need anyone's help!"
"Fine, then get the hell out of my house!"
"Fine!" Inuyasha opened the door then slammed it behind him. Kagome felt the anger slowly drain from her head. 'I can't believe I ever thought he was cute! He's nothing but a jerk!'
AN: hope u liked it! please review! the next chapter will be up soon.
